Russia’s new anti-aircraft complex Tor-M2DT (9K331MDT) Arctic short-range air defence (SHORAD) system, developed for the extreme weather conditions of the Arctic region, has been successfully tested, intercepting two mock cruise missiles. The Arctic modification of the short-range air defense missile system Tor has been honing its skills during military exercises at the Kapustin Yar proving grounds in southern Russia. The Tor-M2DT system fired a volley of missiles and intercepted all the mock targets. Initial test firings of the TOR-M2DT were planned for 15 February at Kapustin Yar test site in Astrakhan Oblast, with the system scheduled to enter serial production and Russian service later this year.
The system is especially designed to be used for Arctic region based on the chassis of the DT-30PM tracked all-terrain vehicle which consists of two tracked vehicle units linked by a steering mechanism. The second vehicle is used to carried the TOR-M2 missile launcher station. The latest version of the Tor system was designed specifically for the Arctic and Far North regions and is capable of operating in the harshest weather conditions of up to -50C (-58F). Tor-M2DT boasts 16 anti-aircraft missiles, capable of hitting targets some 12km (7.5 miles) away flying at altitude of up to 10km.
The TOR-M2DT is developed by the Russia`s JSC Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol (a subsidiary of the Almaz-Antey Concern). In February 2017, it was announced that Russian defense contractor Tekhnodinamika is finalizing the development of a prototype transporter-loader for the Arctic derivative of the Tor (NATO reporting name: SA-15 Gauntlet) air defense missile system. According to the Company Tekhnodinamika, the Arctic version of the TOR short-range air defense missile system can be used for defending the polar military bases being set up in the Russian Arctic from Frantz Josef Land to Chukotka. The TOR-M2DT was revealed during the rehearsal for the Russian Victory Day Parade, in April 2017.
